Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 28 August 2011
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 28 August 2011, I answered questions on the validity of introversion and extroversion, circumcision and religious freedom, lobbying as a career, working for a statist company, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host.
Remember, Philosophy in Action Radio is available to anyone, free of charge. That's because our goal is to spread rational principles for real life far and wide, as we do every week to thousands of listeners. We love producing every episode, but each requires requires our time, effort, and money – week in and week out. So if you enjoy and value our work, please contribute to our tip jar. We suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. You can send your contribution via Dwolla, PayPal, or US Mail.
My News of the Week: This week, I spoke at the Colorado Springs SkeptiCamp, and next week, I'll be speaking on Family, Rational and Otherwise at the Chicago Objectivist Society's Weekend Conference.
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Segments: 28 August 2011
Question 1: The Validity of Introversion and Extroversion (4:15)
Question: Are "introversion" and "extroversion" valid as psychological types? Sometimes people classify themselves and others as "introverts" and "extroverts." What does that mean? Is the distinction valid and useful? Why or why not?
Answer, In Brief: Know thyself! A person should know his base personality traits, so that he can manage himself and his life better.
Tags: Ethics, Personality, Psychology
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Question 2: Circumcision and Religious Freedom (29:30)
Question: Should circumcision be banned? Residents of San Francisco were supposed to vote on a ballot measure that would have banned circumcision, except in cases of medical necessity. (It was struck from the ballot by a judge due to conflicts with state law.) Since circumcision is an millennia-old religious rite for Jews and regarded as essential to their covenant with God, would a ban on circumcision violate the principle of freedom of religion?
Answer, In Brief: Routine circumcision of baby boys is a violation of rights, and a religious motivation does not change that.
Tags: Circumcision, Ethics, Judaism, Parenting, Politics, Religion
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Question 3: Lobbying as a Career (37:27)
Question: Can lobbying be a proper career choice? Lobbying involves asking for various kind of favors from the government. Is that a profession that someone who values free markets should avoid like the plague?
Answer, In Brief: A person can lobby for free markets and individual rights with integrity – and to do so is good!
Tags: Career, Ethics, Government, Integrity, Politics
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Question 4: Working for a Statist Company (45:01)
Question: Is it immoral to work for a company that uses government to eliminate or hamper the competition? For example, if a company has brought antitrust lawsuits against its competitors, should you refuse to work for them?
Answer, In Brief: In most cases, ordinary employees are not responsible for the political activities of companies that they work for. Sanction and responsibility requires a closer connection to the actions in question.
Tags: Business, Career, Ethics, Government, Politics
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Rapid Fire Questions (51:28)
- Do we need an Objectivist K-Street team?
- Is it wrong to work for Halliburton or another company dependent on government?
- Do you know how or if "right-brained/left-brained" tendencies fit in with personality theory?
- When it comes to personality traits, doesn't the attitude of 'nature to be commanded must be obeyed' contradict the principle that 'man is a being of self-made soul'?
- Should the government mandate vaccination of children?
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Conclusion (1:02:09)
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Remember, Philosophy in Action Radio is available to anyone, free of charge. That's because our goal is to spread rational principles for real life far and wide, as we do every week to thousands of listeners. We love producing every episode, but each requires requires our time, effort, and money – week in and week out. So if you enjoy and value our work, please contribute to our tip jar. We suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. You can send your contribution via Dwolla, PayPal, or US Mail.
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About Philosophy in Action Radio
I'm Dr. Diana Hsieh. I'm a philosopher specializing the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My dissertation defended moral responsibility and moral judgment against the doubts raised by Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."
My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Wednesday evenings, I interview an expert guest about a topic of practical importance.
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I can be reached via e-mail to [email protected].
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